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Koeman: Balance between attack and defence ‘really poor’

Southampton manager Ronald Koeman may change his system for Saturday’s game against Aston Villa after the 6-1 thrashing by Liverpool.

Wednesday’s result, which cost Southampton a place in the Capital One Cup semi-finals, came despite them taking the lead in the opening minute.

Liverpool already appeared to have secured victory by half-time when they led 3-1, but Southampton remained increasingly open throughout an even more one-sided second half.

His team is on a run of three consecutive defeats in which 10 goals have been conceded, though even with Villa – bottom of the Premier League and low on confidence – their next opponents, Koeman is considering abandoning his attacking instincts through a fear his team is unbalanced.

“In the last few weeks – one of our qualities, we know we can play good football, the start was fantastic, we can create, we can score – but the balance at the moment between attacking and defending is poor, is really poor,” said the Southampton manager, who hopes to have captain and central defender Jose Fonte available again to face Villa.

“That’s my responsibility. Maybe we have to change the system, maybe we have to play more defensively, more back, waiting. I don’t like that, because I’m a manager who likes to go forward, but we will will speak about that with the players what’s the best to do to prepare ourselves for this Saturday.

“Maybe it’s better to have and to create a little bit more defensive organisation in the team. Sometimes maybe it’s too open, too offensive, but that’s a question I have to ask myself, and the players.

“We need a good reaction. The pressure is on this Saturday. After the defeat and the high score, it’s different.”